Rue the Night rocks at PJ’s

“There are a lot of classic rock and ‘80s dance bands out there, but no one was really bringing those great heavy metal anthems from Kiss, Iron Maiden and Sabbath,” said Mike Howard, lead guitarist for Rue the Night.

“When people find out about us, then experience our music, they feel like they’ve come home,” said Mike Miller, bassist for the band.

Maybe it’s the fact that most of the members were spinning the LPs of these heavy metal bands when they were first released. Or, the “right time, right place” want ad that brought all of these guys from diverse backgrounds together in April 2010 – resulting in their first gig only three short months later.

Whatever the reason, Rue the Night, a Sacramento-based classic metal and hard rock cover band, has struck a resounding chord with fans young and old to amass a rapidly growing fan base.

Recently, Rue the Night was nominated for a Sacramento News and Review Sammie Award, recognizing the Sacramento area’s most popular musical acts.

“It’s a big thrill to be nominated, but we’re just happy playing the music we love” said lead vocalist and front man Mike Back.

Drummer Jeff Bowers said, “The fact is, this is the music we grew up with and we play it because we love it. Music fads come and go, but this stuff never gets old.”

The band’s repertoire includes Motley Crue, Judas Priest, Dokken, Fastway and Metallica. A small group of friends and family has increased to dozens of fans called “Rue-sters” who dance and cheer the band on at nearly every gig.

During the band’s first summer, Rue the Night experienced a high point that takes some bands years, if ever, to achieve. The group played a gig at the famous “Whiskey a Go-Go” on L.A.’s Sunset Strip, followed by a stint at The Rainbow Room.

“Hundreds of rock legends have passed through the Whiskey on their way to stardom,” said Jerry, guitarist and brother of vocalist Mike Back. “It was really cool, and while we won’t follow in their footsteps to the big time, it’s a memory that we’ll always have.”

Ask any member of Rue the Night, and they’ll tell you it’s been a great ride, “and we don’t plan on slowing down,” said Jerry.